Neighbors oppose condominium proposal in Old Orchard Beach
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Land Matters LLC has proposed condominiums at the site of a former post office in Old Orchard Beach. SBN STAFF/Liz Gotthelf
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OLD ORCHARD BEACH — Neighbors of a long-empty former post office building say the property needs to be revitalized, but they don’t think a proposed condominium project is the right choice.
Tom Gillis of Land Matters LLC has proposed an 8-unit condominium project that would add two stories to a one-story, 4,200 square foot building on one third of an acre at 60 Saco Ave., at the corner of Saco and Fern Park avenues. The building was constructed in 1962 as a post office and was later used as a veterinary clinic. It has remained vacant for many years.
Gillis is seeking a contract zone from the town that would allow him to pursue the redevelopment at 60 Saco Ave., in the town’s GB 2 Zone. Local zoning rules allow for residential use in the GB 2 zone, but don’t allow for the number of residential units that Gillis desires.
Gillis tried getting similar proposals approved by the town through requests of a zoning variance and a zoning amendment, but both attempts failed.
The redevelopment proposal for 60 Saco Ave. would be within the current height limits of 35 feet, and except for a new entranceway, would not add to the footprint of the building. It would include 16 parking spaces plus a handicap space.
The planning board will make a recommendation regarding the proposed contract zone at a later date. The matter will then be forwarded to the Town Council, which has the final vote.
A few abutters to 60 Saco Ave. spoke at a public hearing at Thursday night’s Planning Board meeting.
Saco Avenue resident Carolyn Melhman said she felt that the property was currently an eyesore. However, she thought the proposal would change the face of the neighborhood and was more appropriate in an area near the beach, like West Grand or East Grand avenues. She said that Fern Park Avenue was not a wide road and an increase of traffic and cars parked along the street would make the already sharp turn onto Saco Avenue dangerous.
“I do agree something needs to be done with that property, but I don’t think that is the best solution,” she said.
Richard Glover of Fern Park Ave. said he found the proposed contract zone “counterproductive” as it would make decrease traffic safety, and he felt there needed to be a compromise.
“This proposal is a not a win/win. It’s a win for one person, and the neighborhood loses,” he said.
Brian O’Donnell, a resident of Fern Park Avenue, said he wanted the site to get cleaned up, but he felt that an 8-unit condominium building was too big and would not fit in with the neighborhood.
“It’s going to overpower that area,” he said.
Gillis said that he didn’t feel that the proposal would increase traffic issues and he felt that it would be an asset to the neighborhood.
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Publisher Liz Gotthelf can be reached at newsdesk@sacobaynews.com.